Photos: Five things that could get in the way of the Rangers' AL West title defense

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Photo: Harry How/Getty Images

4. Brandon McCarthy's right shoulder: Surprised? Don't be. McCarthy left Texas and became a terrific pitcher for the A's overnight. In fact, B-Mac has been the toughest member of an upstart Oakland pitching staff that has kept the A's in the AL West all season long. On the other hand, McCarthy's well-documented injury problems reared up against this year, and he's been sitting on the DL for the last two months with shoulder problems. But the A's ace is set to return this week (bringing his 2.54 ERA with him), and if McCarthy can regain his early season form, he should be Oakland’s MVP down the stretch.

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